Crossing to Fran

Posted: Sunday, September 08, 2002

As a lifelong Republican with a strong commitment to supporting party candidates, I have come to the conclusion there is sufficient reason to cross over and support the Democratic candidate in the race for governor of Alaska. My reasons are simple and obvious.

Alaska needs a governor with good interpersonal communications skills. Alaskans expect the governor to be accessible and communicative. Fran Ulmer has excellent interpersonal communication skills. She truly enjoys meeting people.

Alaska needs an experienced manager to actively oversee this far-flung and vast enterprise called state government. As the former mayor of Juneau and current lieutenant governor, Fran Ulmer has demonstrated the managerial skills necessary to effectively manage state government.

Alaska needs a governor with realistic strategic vision. Fran Ulmer has consistently presented ideas and proposals for the future of Alaska which are visionary, but realistic and achievable.

The decision to support the Democratic candidate for governor was not an easy one. I have been a Republican for over 40 years. There is no doubt in my mind that Fran Ulmer will serve all of us well when she is elected governor of Alaska.